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Doechii's Rise to Stardom: How the Rapper Became Hip Hop's Brightest New Star

Published February 4, 2025

On February 02, 2025, during the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Doechii took the stage to accept the coveted Best Rap Album award for her mixtape, “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” This historic moment marked her as the third female rapper to achieve this honor, following in the footsteps of icons Lauryn Hill and Cardi B. The journey leading to this significant recognition has been a remarkable ascent, one that many regard as almost meteoric yet rooted in substantial effort and resilience.

Early Beginnings

Doechii's journey in music began independently. She released her self-funded mixtape, Oh the Places You’ll Go, in 2020, which caught the attention of major music labels. The project featured the viral hit “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake,” which helped propel her into the spotlight. Reflecting on her early career, Doechii shared, “Oh the Places You’ll Go was me 100 percent independently. I spent every last dime I had on that project, created all the concepts, and hired the team myself.”

Signing with Top Dawg Entertainment

In 2022, following the success of her EP and collaborations with renowned artists like Isaiah Rashad, Doechii signed with Top Dawg Entertainment, a label known for housing superstar talents like Kendrick Lamar and SZA. She made history by becoming the first female rapper signed to the label. After her signing, she commented on her partnership by stating, “With TDE, we have the same vision about where I’m going and what I’m doing and they support it.”

Shortly after joining TDE, Doechii caught attention with an impactful single titled “Persuasive.” This track showcased her unique blend of sharp lyrics, creative vision, and impressive dance moves, setting a high bar for her following works.

Building Momentum in 2023

The release of “Crazy” showcased a deeper narrative, addressing the concept of being labeled as “crazy” when someone fears or misunderstands you. Her creativity continued to shine brightly in 2023 with the release of “What it Is (Block Boy),” which sampled the classic TLC hit “No Scrubs.” The track reached number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for the MTV VMAs Song of the Summer award, solidifying her place as a new force in hip-hop.

The Impact of her Mixtape

In early 2024, as anticipation grew for her upcoming mixtape, Doechii released several infectious singles, including “Altar Ego” featuring JT, “MPH,” and “Rocket.” This strategic buildup led to her defining moment when she released “Alligator Bites Never Heal.” This body of work was a genre-defying project that explored her creative process, insecurities, and aspirations, earning rave reviews from critics and fans alike.

Particularly, the single “Denial is a River” stood out, gaining viral attention on platforms like TikTok. The track lyrically delved into personal experiences of betrayal, utilizing a clever reference to Wendy Williams to convey its message. The song resonated deeply with listeners, showcasing Doechii's lyrical prowess and nailing a contemporary relatable theme.

A Grammy-Worthy Performance

As Doechii continued to promote her mixtape through live performances and interviews, her influence in the industry grew exponentially. Her vibrant performances, including memorable renditions during Tiny Desk concerts and Late Show appearances, demonstrated her versatility and creativity as an artist.

When the Grammy night finally arrived, do not only did Doechii snag the Best Rap Album award, but she also dazzled the audience with a thrilling performance of her hit songs “Catfish” and “Denial is a River.” It was a powerful statement that left a lasting impression on all present.

Now, with her Grammy win and rising stardom, Doechii's journey is a testament to hard work, creativity, and resilience in the rapidly evolving music industry. She has firmly established herself as a vibrant new star in hip-hop.

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